Commentary

The latest Australian census revealed that about five percent of our population (roughly 800,000) now identify as Aboriginal. This coincides with the ever-heightening profile of Indigenous affairs in public life and particularly in the mainstream media.

At first sight, it suggests a burgeoning Indigenous culture is emerging within Australian society.

This is accompanied by increasingly strenuous demands from activists at different points of the political spectrum, for things like an indigenous voice to parliament, and recognising the country’s debt to the original owners of the land.

Generations ago, some Australians were so ashamed of Indigenous ancestry in their families that they tried to conceal it; now to be able to claim such a heritage is seen as desirable and in some cases comes with a perceived social advantage.

This transition from shame to pride is a good thing for our country.

Human beings have always had a tendency to boast about the achievements of their ancestors and it is perfectly right and reasonable to appreciate and honour the virtues of those who went before us and made us what we are today.

But is that what is happening?

The righting of wrongs, restoration of lost or stolen entitlements, dispensing of justice to all people without prejudice based on colour, class, religion or orientation—all these things are noble goals worth striving for.

But in order to achieve these goals we need to have complete clarity of definition. At present, the...

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